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All Saudi Arabia Jeddah Al Balad

Al Balad

For centuries, Jeddah’s old town was a major trading port and a point of entry for Hajj pilgrims traveling by sea.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

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Al Balad   Izy / Atlas Obscura User
Al Balad   Izy / Atlas Obscura User
Al Balad   Izy / Atlas Obscura User
  jan jacob sikkema / Atlas Obscura User
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Al Balad, meaning “Old Town,” is the historical site of Old Jeddah, now under UNESCO World Heritage Protection. Constructed during the 7th century, some buildings that remain from that period are made from corals from the nearby Red Sea–reinforced with limestone, and intricately decorated with teal, mahogany, and sisam brought from India and Africa as ships passed the port.

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Published

July 18, 2022

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